Elizabethton & Carter County: School Closures & Delays Due to Extreme Cold (Jan 25, 2026)

Severe winter weather is impacting operations across Elizabethton and Carter County, Tennessee, as of Sunday, January 25, 2026. School closures and delayed openings for government and educational institutions are in effect due to freezing temperatures and hazardous road conditions.

Operational Disruptions

Elizabethton and Carter County schools will be closed on Monday. County government offices will operate on a delayed schedule, opening at 10:30 a.m. The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton (TCAT) will also follow a delayed schedule, with offices opening at 9 a.m. and classes beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Did You Know? TCAT-Elizabethton explicitly advised students to “use their best judgment when traveling, especially in areas with poor road conditions.”

Weather Conditions and Advisories

The National Weather Service has issued cold weather advisories for the region. These advisories are in effect from midnight until 10 a.m. Monday, and again from 6 p.m. Monday until noon Tuesday. Conditions vary across the county.

The northwest portion of Carter County, including Elizabethton, is experiencing rain showers expected to continue into Monday morning. Temperatures are forecast to reach the lower to mid-40s, but a chance of freezing rain and snow showers exists. Overnight lows are predicted between 13 and 16 degrees, with wind chill values around 1 degree below zero.

Expert Insight: Disruptions to public services like schools and government offices during periods of extreme weather highlight the economic and logistical challenges posed by climate-related events, even at the local level. Delayed openings and closures represent a trade-off between ensuring public safety and maintaining operational capacity.

Monday’s forecast for the northwest area is mostly cloudy with potential snow flurries. Highs will range from 12 to 25 degrees, with wind chill values around 9 below zero. Monday night will be partly cloudy, then clear, with lows between 2 and 5 degrees and wind chill values around 14 below zero.

Hampton and the mountainous southeastern areas of the county are under a high wind warning and an extreme cold watch through Tuesday morning. Low temperatures there are expected between 9 and 16 degrees, with wind chill values around 5 below zero after midnight. Monday will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of flurries, and highs between 12 and 25 degrees, with wind chill values around 9 below. Monday night will be partly cloudy, then clear, with lows between 0 and 5 degrees and wind chill values around 17 below zero.

Potential Next Steps

If conditions worsen, further delays or closures could be implemented. TCAT-Elizabethton stated they “will reassess early tomorrow morning and share any updates if plans change.” County officials may also adjust operating schedules based on evolving weather conditions. It is possible that the cold weather advisories could be extended or upgraded to warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are affected?

Elizabethton and Carter County schools are closed on Monday.

When will county government offices open?

Carter County government offices will open at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.

What is the expected wind chill?

Wind chill values are expected to be around 1 degree below zero in the northwest part of the county and around 5 to 17 degrees below zero in the southeast part of the county.

How might these weather conditions impact local businesses and residents beyond the immediate closures?